Fire officials say mower sparked the Alamos Fire

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Santa Barbara County fire officials have released the cause of a fire that broke out in Los Alamos Saturday afternoon.

The Alamos Fire was sparked around 3:00 p.m. and burned about 6.5 acres near the iconic Skyview Motel.

Fire officials released the cause that sparked the fire: someone mowing dried vegetation and brush with a tractor mower.

The individual was cited for operating a mower in dry vegetation and burning land that they don't own.

Santa Barbara County Fire is taking this opportunity to provide tips for safely operating equipment in wildland areas:

• Never use mowers with metal blades in dry vegetation, use weed trimmers with nylon string.
• Mow before 10 a.m., and never mow during critical weather conditions.
• Ensure your tractor, mower, and equipment is equipped with an approved spark arrestor.
• Have a water extinguisher and 46 inch round tip shovel readily available.
• Keep a phone nearby to call 911 in case of an emergency.